Escapees March-April 2023

“There are dozens of other songs, some road-related, some not, to get your motor running.”

Music. It sets a mood, makes memories and can bring your en tire posse together. Whether you are a couple or a rig full of friends and family, music helps pass the time and creates a convivial at mosphere, a sense of connection and camaraderie. Singing along to your favorite songs or sharing music recommendations with your traveling companions is a fun and bonding experience. T hat’s the appeal of popping in a playlist as you roll your RV down the road. (Today you’re most likely to listen to Spotify or carefully curated playlists on your device, which we’ll talk about later, but let me ask, who remembers making cassette mix tapes?) Well-worth mentioning, listening to music on a road trip also helps break up the monotony of driving. When traveling long distances, the repetitive nature of the road may start to feel tedious. Music provides a welcome distraction. Whether you’re into upbeat pop tunes, classic rock, or more laid back folk music, having a diverse selection of songs will help keep you entertained and engaged. You know ‘em, you love ‘em There are so many great songs to keep you rolling. Start your driving day with a classic, setting the tone and making the mood.

Finland, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland, and our very own Texas, recorded by country singer Brian Burns in 2002, aptly named I’ve Been Everywhere (In Texas). Johnny Cash’s signature 1996 version is the one most Americans know and love. After all, what Escapee hasn’t mentally checked off the many toponyms they’ve rolled through while bobbing their heads to this bopping version. The song has been covered by numerous artists, heard in several movies, TV shows, and even a commercial for the USPS. In 2022, traveler and pilot Mark Schmidt completed an 18-year quest to visit all 92 places in Cash’s version (including the six in South America) and posted a terri fi c video, I Visited Every Location in the “I’ve Been Everywhere Man” song by Johnny Cash, on YouTube.

(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 NAT KING COLE America’s iconic Mother Road, Route 66, was almost a tune about US 40 until songwriter Bobby Troup’s wife suggested he write about a 10-day cross-coun try journey along America’s Main Street. Originally

recorded in 1946 by Nat King Cole, the song has been covered by many other artists, including the Rolling Stones’ rock version and the Grammy-winning jazz version by Manhattan Transfer. Interestingly, the theme song for the early 1960s TV show, Route 66, was not the Troup composition. Instead, it was a Grammy-nominated instrumental

I’ve Been Everywhere JOHNNY CASH

A classic American road trip anthem, I’ve Been Everywhere, was written by Aussie Geoff Mack in 1959 and originally listed Australian towns. In 1962, Mack’s music publisher

offered it to North American artist Hank Snow who agreed to cover the song if Mack adapted the toponyms (place names) to re fl ect the American continents. Other versions include New Zealand, Canada,

by composer and arranger Nelson Riddle. This move assured CBS would not have to shell out royalties for the popular (Get Your Kicks on) Route 66-version.

55

March/April 2023 ESCAPEES Magazine